Emeritus

When:

Why:

The Vatican announced that the new title for retiring Pope Benedict XVI will be "Pope Emeritus."

Benedict XVI will be the first retired pontiff in 600 years. Popes have traditionally held their positions for life.

Emeritus means "one retired from professional life but permitted to retain as an honorary title the rank of the last office held." It comes directly from a Latin word that means "one that has served his time," and usually refers to retired professors who continue to do some teaching and research.